There has been some major discussion in recent years over whether or not the series should allow more manufacturers in the races.
Last year, NASCAR hinted that there might be an addition to the field of cars and trucks.
On June 8, at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Michigan, Ram announced that they will indeed be making a return to NASCAR next season in the Craftsman Truck Series. It has been 13 years since Ram was a part of NASCAR.
In a media event called “Ram-Demption”, Ram unveiled the Ram 1500 concept race truck. During a promotional event at Darlington Raceway, Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis “hinted” that Ram may expand into the other NASCAR series in the near future. “We’ll be on track in Daytona in eight months and the way we’re going to do it is unlike anyone else,” said Kuniskis.
The Ram will be the first OEM – Original Equipment Manufacturer – since Toyota’s Tundra was introduced in 2004.
NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer John Probst spoke on bringing Ram to NASCAR saying, “I know that this is something that we have been talking about for a long time, and it’s something that we don’t get to do very often. I think the last time we did this was over 20 years ago when Toyota entered our sport, so this is something that is a big moment for our entire sport and our existing competitors, potential new competitors, our OEMs.”
Kuniskis noted that they would ideally like to have four trucks on the grid at Daytona in 2026; but admitted they are in search of more team partnerships.
Kuniskis said, “we’re looking for a date to the prom right now. So how am I going to get to Cup? That’s going to depend on how I get to Truck. So however we get to Truck is going to obviously weigh heavily on ‘do I have a path to Cup?’ Our intention is not to do a one-hit wonder and go to Truck and not to Cup. That’s not our plan.”
Ram broke away from Dodge in 2010. Brad Keselowski was the last driver to win a race in a Dodge (Charger) in 2012 winning the championship for Team Penske. Dodge Ram has won three Craftsman Truck Series manufacturer championships.
There are no details on who might “make the switch” to the new Ram trucks; but is expected to be “spirited”.